Energy labelling for retailers

Energy labels provide comparable information on a product’s energy consumption, water use, noise emissions, battery life, screen size, repairability, and more. This helps customers make informed choices when buying certain electrical products and equipment.

What to include on an energy label

In the United Kingdom, energy labels on products must include:

• the product's energy efficiency class (A-G)
• annual energy consumption
• other relevant performance characteristics, often in pictogram format
• the product's model number
• the supplier's name or trademark

The graphics on the energy label use a ranking scale to convey information about the energy efficiency of a particular model through colours, arrows, and letters of the alphabet.

The A-G scale ranks appliances from best (A) to the worst (G), while a corresponding colour code uses green to denote 'more efficient' and red for 'less efficient.' The layout of labels and information required can differ significantly between products.

Product Information Sheet

The energy label must be supported by a Product Information Sheet (PIS) or fiche, which provides data relating to the specific model of the appliance. The PIS must be included in all product brochures, or if brochures are not provided, in any other literature supplied with the product.

Where can I get the energy labels and product information sheet from?

It is the supplier’s responsibility to provide the energy labels and the product information sheet free of charge to dealers. These should accompany each appliance, but if they are missing, you can request them from your supplier, who must send them within five working days of your request.

While suppliers are responsible for implementing the labelling, retailers must ensure that the label is affixed to the appliance and that the product information is available for consumers to see, including an electronic version online.

You can create an energy label on the GOV.UK website.

All appliances in scope which are first placed on the market within Northern Ireland must be registered on the European Product Registry for Energy Labels (EPREL) database. This public database is accessible to everyone and local businesses are encouraged to use it.

With the introduction of a QR code on the top right of the label, retailers or customers can access the label as well as additional information about the product model, such as data relating to:

• dimensions
• specific features
• test results (depending on the appliance)

Download an example of an energy label (PDF, 67K).

Many types of products are regulated to ensure they meet specific measures on their energy usage. This reduces their environmental impact, improves their energy efficiency, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions.

Types of products which need an energy label

Energy labels are required to be displayed on:

• air conditioners and comfort fans
• dishwashers
• domestic ovens and range hoods
• electronic displays, including televisions
• lighting products
• local space heaters powered with solid fuel, gas or liquid fuel (excluding those powered by electricity)
• professional refrigerated storage cabinets, blast cabinets, condensing units and process chillers
• refrigerating appliances (including those with a direct sales function)
• smartphones, tablets, etc
• solid fuel boilers
• space heaters
• household tumble driers
• ventilation units
• washing machines and washer-dryers
• water heaters, hot water storage tanks and packages of water heater and solar

Energy labels are not required to be displayed on:

• second-hand products
• any means of transport for persons or goods

Download an example of an energy label (PDF, 67K).

When you make products available for sale that require an energy label, you must follow the rules for how those labels are displayed or how information is made available. These rules must be followed whether you are selling products in a physical store or online.

Displaying energy labels in-store

Physical store retailer responsibilities for energy labelling include:

• Displaying the energy label on all relevant products offered for sale, hire or hire purchase. The physical label must be attached by the dealer (the retailer) on the outside front or top of the product, and it must remain clearly visible. The label must be the standard size, be in colour, and on a white background. Depending on the product, product-specific labelling regulations may specify a different placement.
• Once a product is placed in store and available for purchase, whether boxed or unboxed, it is considered "on display" and should be labelled.
• If the energy label is not provided, request one from the supplier. The new energy labels can also be printed directly from the European Product Registry for Energy Labels (EPREL).
• Ensuring the energy label's model designation matches the product.
• Providing the Product Information Sheet (PIS) if a customer requests it.

Displaying energy labels online

Products for sale online must be accompanied by an energy label and a PIS.

Online retailer responsibilities for energy labelling include:

• Display the full energy label for the product next to the price. You can also use an arrow showing the energy efficiency class and the range of energy efficiency classes alongside the product. This must be linked to the full energy label for the product (known as a nested display) – download an example arrow icon (PDF, 5K).
  • The font size of the energy arrow should be the same as the font size of the price.
  • The arrow colour must correspond to the energy efficiency class.
  • The letter in the arrow icon corresponding to the energy class should be white.
• Make the PIS available alongside the product or by linking to it on a publicly accessible website.
• Ensure the energy label and product information sheet are displayed in a size that is clearly visible and easy to read.
• Display the energy label and PIS whenever a product is showcased or mentioned in an online store, even if it is impossible to add the product to the cart. This also applies to things like list views.
• Include the energy label and product information sheet when dispatching the product.  
• Display the energy label arrow icon and product information sheet on every subpage of your e-commerce site, including in the customer’s basket.

Download an example of an energy label (PDF, 67K).

There are specific rules that you must follow when advertising products based on their energy efficiency, if those products are required to display an energy label.

Advertising energy labelled products

For a product required to have an energy label, if your advertising refers to its energy efficiency or price, it must also include information about the following:

• energy efficiency class
• range of efficiency classes

The same applies when product documents, such as brochures or technical manuals, provide end users with a specific model's technical information.

You may also include electronic versions of the energy label for customers in addition to (but not instead of) a paper label.

Manufacturers and suppliers must make an electronic version of the technical file for the product available within 10 days on request from an enforcement authority.

Misleading information around energy labels

You must not display any label, mark, symbol or inscription that is likely to mislead or confuse end users about energy consumption (or other essential resources where relevant) during use.

It is an offence to issue or provide false documentation related to energy rating.

Download an example of an energy label (PDF, 68K).